Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

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SK Telecom, KTF to launch commercial wireless network

12/07/2005 by Parthajit

http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=9051

South Korea's two mobile phone operators have said that they will cooperate with the government to launch commercial operations of an ultra-fast wireless network next March, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.

Qualcomm Inc., the U.S. wireless chipmaker, is expected to supply chips for the network, called High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), for South Korean handset manufacturers in November for the commercial launch.

The commercial launch of the HSDPA network is aimed at boosting demand for a third-generation (3G) mobile phone network, the ministry said.

The HSDPA system, known as a 3.5-generation mobile technology, can eportedly transmit data at a maximum speed of 14 megabits per second, allowing customers to watch live TV streaming and other mobile broadband services via their handsets.

SK Telecom ordered the HSDPA equipment contracts worth 550 bn won ($526 m) in the first half of this year from domestic and foreign companies, including Samsung Electronics.

KTF also plans to spend 250 bn won to build the HSDPA network during the second half of this year, The ministry noted